Flag Peak

Flag Peak is the name of a viewpoint in the mountainous hills standing to the west of Spanish Springs just beneath Hungry Valley, however this hike will take hikers beyond Flag Peak to the tallest point in the hills, an unnamed peak, standing just over 1500' in elevation above the trailhead.The route begins in the network of OHV trails and tracks immediately behind Spanish Springs High School. The route is pretty direct, with the peak in view from the trailhead, and as you gain elevation, the straight line path remains visible from an increasingly higher vantage point.Beginning with a mild ascent that heads from the arid sagebrush landscape to the slightly higher and shadier slopes that begin to see juniper trees and taller brush, in about one mile, the path hits the base of the hills. At this point, most dirt bike riders and dog walkers will be left behind as you take the steep slopes toward the peaks above.Jeep tracks can be visible in the sandy road, however the rugged terrain ensures that aside from a small handful of vehicles outfitted for this route, the trail remains the domain of those exploring on foot. As hikers gain elevation, the amazing topography of the area begins to reveal itself, and the city becomes more and more distant seeming.After crossing a couple saddles that afford a short downhill to catch your breath, the trail forks, with a left fork going to Flag Peak, so named because of the flag that once stood atop the false summit, however the flag-less pole has fallen and remains across the ground now. This point at the cliff's edge gives the best views of Spanish Springs and northeastern Sparks below. Beyond the fork, the trail has saved the steepest for last, as a slick steep grade leads the final 3/10 mile to the unnamed summit. From here a 360 degree panoramic view offers views of Mt Rose and the Sierra Nevada, the radio towers and casino skyline of Reno far down below, the waters of Silver Lake and Swan Lake to the west, and the skyline of the Pah Rah Mountain Range to the east.This peak stands stoicly over the Spanish Springs area, however few make it up here, and there's a good chance you'll not see another person from the point that your climb begins.There are no amenities at the trailhead or anywhere along the route. These hills tend to hold snow well into the winter, and can be extremely hot with no shade during the summer. The shoulder seasons are the best to attempt this hike.The trail veers between Bureau of Land Management land and Hungry Valley Indian Reservation land. Please be respectful.